The purpose of this research is to evaluate different methods of measuring body composition (amount of fat, muscle, bone, and water in your body) and to determine relationships between body composition and other medical problems associated with spinal cord injury (SCI).

To compare different methods of body composition analyses with the gold standard 4-compartment monitoring to determine accuracy and validity of those alternative, but less labor-intensive techniques. [ Time Frame: 3 years ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

To develop body composition regression equations that can be easily utilized in a clinical setting to estimate risk for the metabolic syndrome in persons with SCI. [ Time Frame: 3 years ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

To cross-validate the derived regression equations against the gold standard 4-compartment model in an independent group of persons with SCI. [ Time Frame: 3 years ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

120 subjects will help create the regression models. The remaining 50 subjects will be recruited to determine if the equations work for the population.

Other: Body composition

Day 1 testing will incorporate underwater weighing, Bod Pod, DXA, BIA and anthropometrics. Day 2 will include RMR, MRI, and testing at GCRC

Other Names:

Spinal Cord Injury

Percentage body fat

Detailed Description:

A preliminary investigation in our laboratory has demonstrated the advantage of using 4-compartment modeling to assess body composition in SCI adults. In comparing body composition analyses techniques in 20 individuals with SCI, we found Total Error to be 8.0% with Dual X-ray Absorptiometry, 8.4% with hydrodensitometry, 11.5% with bioelectrical impedance analysis, and 21.8% with standard skinfold equations when compared to 4-compartment modeling, the currently accepted gold standard for body composition assessment. To date there is no gold standard for the determination of body composition in SCI individuals.

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Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00957762